The SXSW panel "The Future of World-Building at Disney" delivered exciting previews of upcoming Disney Parks expansions, including The Mandalorian and Grogu's integration into Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, innovations for Magic Kingdom's Cars ride, and early visuals for the new Monsters, Inc. coaster.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman highlighted their teams' collaborative efforts in developing these next-generation attractions during the panel discussion.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Join Smugglers Run for New Mission
Disney confirmed that the Star Wars characters will debut in their Smugglers Run experience simultaneously with the May 22, 2026 premiere of The Mandalorian & Grogu film. Creatives including Jon Favreau revealed never-before-seen concept art featuring iconic Star Wars locations such as Tatooine's Sandcrawler and Cloud City.
"This experience complements rather than retells the film's story," Favreau explained, noting that footage was captured on the actual movie set for authenticity. The panel also announced BDX droids will expand to Disney parks worldwide, including a new Anzellan mechanic variant named Otto.
First Look at Monsters, Inc. Coaster
Disney shared a preview of the load area for Hollywood Studios' upcoming Monsters, Inc. suspended coaster, which will feature Disney's first vertical lift system. The attraction will simulate flying through the iconic door vault from the films.
Innovative Ride Technology for Cars Attraction
Imagineers revealed they're engineering completely new ride vehicles for Magic Kingdom's upcoming Cars land. According to Michael Hundgen, the team conducted real-world desert off-road testing to develop emotionally engaging motion profiles.
"We're creating vehicles with personality - each will have unique names and characteristics," Hundgen explained. The dirt track testing facility allows engineers to precisely calibrate the thrill experience before implementation.
Avengers Campus Expands with Stark Tech
Robert Downey Jr. made a surprise appearance to discuss Stark Flight Lab, where guests will experience experimental tech in "gyro-kinetic pods" before being transferred mid-ride to a robotic arm inspired by Tony Stark's lab assistant DUM-E.
"This attraction makes the technology part of the storytelling," said Bruce Vaughn of Walt Disney Imagineering. Motion capture with professional dancers helped perfect the robotic arm's lifelike movements.
